Gary R. Doty, 68 years of age, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at Mercy Hospital. Gary was born March 5, 1949 in Punxautawney, Pennsylvania. He was raised in Canton, Illinois and moved to Springfield, Missouri when he was in junior high. He graduated from Parkview High School in 1968, and then enrolled into the Army. He served a total of 3 years, 1 month, and 5 days. He fought honorably in Vietnam and was awarded. He worked at Frisco Railroad for 10 years as a Heavy Equipment Operator, Ash Grove Cement Company for 11 years as Equipment Operator, Paul Mueller Company for 8 years as a Sciaky Welder, and then retired. He also received certification in Body and Paint Repair at Ozark Technical Community College. He was proud to be a Veteran, Freemason, Shriner, and a Hospital Dad.
Gary enjoyed hunting deer and turkey; you could often catch him with friends and family at Dora Missouri and sometimes in the Stockton Missouri area with his son, Ryan. He collected guns and knives; he loved going shooting with family members and long-time friends. He also could be caught in the Garrison, Glade Top, and Chadwick area riding ATVs. Other places he could be spotted at would be at A1 Custom Care talking to the “guys” or at Guaranty Bank visiting with tellers, loan officers, and greeters. Also sitting on his front porch; waving or socializing with his neighbors.
Gary was such a proud Veteran, that he got to go on the honor flight, just earlier this year. He seemed to enjoy his friend that accompanied him on this trip. He often told his son, Ryan, about the wonderful experience. He was also proud to be “Pops” to a special little girl, Katherine Seigrist, his step-granddaughter. He would tell her mom, Emily Mitchell, how she brightened up his day every day.
Gary was known his tradition of smoking meats on the holidays and his birthday. He seemed to really enjoy it compared to going out to eat.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Jaunita Doty, and first wife Lois. He was survived by sons Robert and Michael Doty from his first wife, Ryan Doty and step-son Scott Fisher from second wife Cheri West, Emily Mitchell and her daughter Katherine Seigrist, friends, and family.
We will miss your voice, your laugh, and your presence. Thank you for your time on earth with us, we love you so much.
Graveside services will be on Tuesday, October 10, 2017, at 2:00 pm in Missouri Veterans Cemetery with full military honors.